Alligator attacks teen, takes part of right arm

MOORE HAVEN, Fla. (WINK)- A Glades County teenager is recovering after an alligator attack took off part of his right arm.

Authorities say Kaleb Langdale, 17, also known as 'Fred,' was swimming with friends in the Caloosahatchee River Monday in Moore Haven when the gator suddenly attacked. He was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital as trappers began a search to find the alligator, and the boy's missing arm.

"The gator was about two feet away from him, just came straight at him," said Matthew Baker, who was in the water with Langdale at the time.

Friends say the gator attack seemed to come out of nowhere.

"As soon as he'd seen Fred, the gator was coming after him. On top of the water, as fast as he could pedal, his tail was wagging back and forth, he was coming," said Gary Beck, who was on shore at the time, but jumped in to help get Langdale and the other boys out of the water.